Filter system with removable enhancement media

ABSTRACT

A water filter system including a base configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filter cartridge seated in the base. The filter cartridge defines a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted in the second chamber and includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water. The enhancement cartridge is removable from the system separate from the filter cartridge.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to water treatment devices, andmore particularly to countertop residential filtration units connectedto existing faucets.

To improve odor, taste and/or remove contaminants from already potabledrinking water provided to residential users, many people installsupplemental water filtration systems. Conventional residential watertreatment systems are typically classified as whole house, under thecounter mount, faucet mount and countertop mounted units. Most faucetmounted and countertop filter systems allow users to switch betweenfiltered water for drinking and unfiltered water for washing dishes andother household activities where filtered water is not needed.

Conventional residential water filter systems typically include filterunits that become filled with impurities over time and therefore need tobe replaced periodically. Some of these systems also include anenhancement material which includes minerals that are added to thefiltered water. An important design criteria for such filter units isthe efficient utilization of filter cartridges and enhancementmaterials.

SUMMARY

A filter system is provided including a filter cartridge and anenhancement cartridge removably inserted in the filter cartridge. Bymaking the enhancement cartridge independently removable from the filtercartridge, only one of the cartridges needs to be replaced at a time,thereby reducing waste of the filtering materials and costs associatedwith such systems.

More specifically, a water filter system is provided that includes abase configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filter cartridgeseated in the base. The filter cartridge defines a first chamber havingat least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communicationwith the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably insertedin the second chamber and includes an enhancement material for addingminerals to the water. The enhancement cartridge is removable from thesystem separate from the filter cartridge.

In another embodiment, a water filter system is provided that includes abase including a bottom support and a vertical support transverselyextending from the bottom support. The bottom support includes anincoming water port for receiving unfiltered water and an outgoing waterport for receiving filtered water. A filter cartridge is seated in thebase adjacent to the vertical support and includes at least one filterelement for removing impurities from the water. The filter cartridgeincludes a water inlet and a water outlet where the water inlet and thewater outlet are respectively in fluid communication with the incomingwater port and the outgoing water port. An enhancement cartridge isremovably located in and in fluid communication with the filtercartridge and includes an enhancement material for adding minerals tothe filtered water. A cover is configured to enclose the filtercartridge and the vertical support and engage the bottom support.

In a further embodiment, a water filter system is provided that includesa base configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filtercartridge seated in the base, the filter cartridge defining a firstchamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber influid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge isremovably inserted in the filter cartridge and includes a housing and ahandle member removably connected to the housing, where the housingincludes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water andwhere the enhancement cartridge is independently removable from thefilter cartridge. In situations where no minerals are to be added to thewater, the enhancement cartridge is removed from the filter cartridgeand the handle member is removed from the housing and re-inserted in thefilter cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present water filter system attachedto a faucet;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the water filter system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the filter base shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the filter base of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the filter base of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the filter base of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the filter cartridge shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the filter cartridgeincluding the enhancement cartridge illustrating the direction ofrotation for removing the enhancement cartridge from the filtercartridge;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the enhancement cartridgepartially removed from the filter cartridge;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the filter base showing thetubing being connected to the incoming and outgoing water ports of thefilter base;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the filter base showing thetubing connected to the incoming and outgoing water ports of the filterbase;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the diverter valve showingthe tubing being connected to the incoming and outgoing water ports ofthe diverter valve; and

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the diverter valve showingthe tubing connected to the incoming and outgoing water ports of thediverter valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, a filter system, generally designated 30, isused in homes and businesses to filter water used for drinking, cookingand other functions in which clean water is desired. The present filtersystem 30 includes a filter base 32 placed on a countertop or similarsurface, a removable filter cartridge 34 that is sits in the filter baseand includes a removable enhancement cartridge 36, and a cover 38 thatencloses the filter cartridge and engages the filter base. A divertervalve 40 attaches to a faucet 42 and diverts incoming water to thefilter system 30 via suitable tubing 44 where the water is filtered andreturned to the faucet for dispensing into a cup or other container.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3-6, the filter base 32 includes abottom support 46 having a generally circular cross-section and a curvedvertical support 48 that transversely extends from the bottom support.The bottom support 46 has an upper surface 50 including opposing slots52 for securing the cover 38 in position as described below. Also, abottom surface 54 of the bottom support 46 includes a plurality ofspaced feet 56 that are preferably made with a non-slip material such asrubber. The feet 56 prevent the filter base 32 from slipping or slidingon a counter or other underlying surface. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5,the vertical support 48 is curved inwardly or has a generally concaveshape to correspond to an outwardly curved outer surface 58 of thefilter cartridge 34. Thus, after the filter cartridge 34 is seated inthe base 32, the outer surface 58 of the cartridge is directly adjacentto an inner surface 60 of the vertical support 48 to provide axialsupport to the filter cartridge. The opposing side or outer surface 62of the vertical support 48 includes a visual light display 64, a batteryhousing 66, a pair of reset buttons 68 a and 68 b, and a de-activationactuator or button 70.

The visual light display 64 includes a series of visual indicators,preferably lights that are generally, vertically aligned. The top twolights 72 and 74 are single lights. Below these lights are two groups oflights 76 and 78 where each group includes four independent, generallyoval-shaped lights 80 and 82. It is contemplated that the lights mayhave any suitable shape or configuration on the light display.Preferably, the lights 72, 74, 80 and 82 are each light emitting diodes(LEDs) but may be any suitable type of illuminating indicator. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the lights 72, 74, 80 and 82 illuminatesor darkens independently of and sequentially relative to the otherlights in the light display 64. For example, all of the lights in eachof the groups of lights 76 and 78 start out being illuminated and thenthe topmost light in each of the groups darkens, followed by the lightdirectly below the topmost light and so forth. Also, the lights may allbe one color or a combination of colors depending on the application.Preferably, the lights are provided in distinguishable colors.

Power is provided to the lights 72, 74, 80 and 82 by batteries (notshown) stored in the battery housing 84. Alternatively, electrical powercan be provided to the visual light display from an electrical outletthrough a cord including electrical wiring connected to a plug.

First and second reset buttons 68 a and 68 b are respectively associatedwith the filter cartridge 34 and the enhancement cartridge 36. Eachreset button 68 a and 68 b resets the time period for replacing thefilter and enhancement media cartridges 34, 36. Thus, a user pressesreset button 68 a after replacing the filter cartridge 34, and pressesreset button 68 b after replacing the enhancement cartridge 36.Preferably, the first and second reset buttons 68 a, 68 b arespring-biased buttons as known in the art and are electrically connectedby suitable wiring to the respective light groups 76, 78 on the lightdisplay 64.

The de-activation button 70 is also a spring-biased button that isconfigured to de-activate the first group of lights 76 associated withthe enhancement cartridge 36. In some circumstances, the enhancementcartridge 36 is not needed such as when the incoming water already hassufficient minerals in it. A user can therefore remove the enhancementcartridge 36 from the filter cartridge 34 as described below so thatadditional minerals are not added to the filtered water. Pressing thede-activation button 70 disables or de-activates the lights in the firstgroup of lights 76 so that the lights darken or go dark to indicate thatthe enhancement cartridge has been removed. As stated above,de-activation of the enhancement cartridge 36 is desirable when thewater already has sufficient minerals in it or when certain users do notwant one or more minerals in their water. It should be appreciated thatthe first and second reset buttons 68 a, 68 b and the de-activationbutton 70 may be any suitable actuators or buttons.

The bottom support 46 defines a generally circular receptacle 84configured to receive the filter cartridge 34. The receptacle 84 isprovided with a mounting ring by peripherally alternating bayonet-styletabs 86 and grooves 88 that engage corresponding tabs 90 and grooves 92on a bottom surface 94 of the filter cartridge 34 to lock the filtercartridge to the filter base 32 in a push and twist motion as describedbelow. A first opening 96 located in the center of the receptacle 84 isin fluid communication with an incoming water port 98 located on aperipheral surface 100 of the bottom support 46. An O-ring 102 isinserted in the first opening 96 to form a seal between the firstopening and the filter cartridge 34. A second opening 104, which isadjacent to the first opening 96, is in fluid communication with anoutgoing water port 106 on the peripheral surface 100 of the bottomsupport 46. Preferably, a screen 108 is positioned in the first opening96 to remove any particles that may remain in the incoming water. Ascreen may also be positioned in the second opening 104 to furtherfilter out any remaining particles and other matter in the outgoingwater.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the incoming and outgoing water ports 98,106 each include threaded fittings 110, 112 having barbed nozzles 114,116. The nozzle 114 for the incoming water port 98 has a diameter thatis larger than a diameter of the nozzle 116 for the outgoing water port106. By differentiating the diameters of the nozzles 114, 116 it iseasier for a user to correctly connect the respective incoming andoutgoing water tubes 118, 119 between the filter base 32 and the faucet42. Two port caps 120, 122 (FIG. 4) having the same outer diameter eachdefine through-holes 124, 126 and include internal threading 128 thatrespectively engages external threading 130 on each fitting 110, 112.The port cap 120 connected to the incoming water port 98 has an outeropening 132 (FIG. 4) with a diameter that is greater than a diameter ofan outer opening 134 on the outgoing water port cap 122 to respectivelyreceive ends of the incoming and outgoing water tubes 118, 119 connectedto the faucet 42.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the filter cartridge 34 includes a body 136having a generally cylindrical shape and a cap 138 attached to the body.The body 136 includes a bottom wall 140 and a cylindrical wall 142transversely extending from the bottom wall. Also, inner and outerannular flanges 144, 146 depend from the bottom wall 140. The innerflange 144 defines a generally circular inlet 148 for receiving incomingwater from the faucet 42. A flow regulator is mounted inside the inletto regulate the water flow into the filter cartridge. For example, a 0.9gallon per minute (gpm) flow regulator 150 is optionally attached to theinlet to limit the flow of water through the cartridge 34. The outerflange 146 defines an annular outlet 152 disposed radially outwardlyfrom the inlet 148. Filtered water flowing out of the filter cartridge34 exits through the outlet 152 and then flows to the outgoing waterport 106 (FIG. 4). To securely connect the filter cartridge 34 to thefilter base 32, bayonet-style tabs 90 and grooves 92 (FIG. 8) extendlaterally from the outer flange 146 and rotatably engage thecorresponding tabs 86 and grooves 88 in the receptacle 84 of the filterbase 32.

On the inside of the filter cartridge 34, a cylindrical, support ring154 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 140 and defines an annularflow channel 156 between the ring and the outer cylindrical wall 142.

A lower tray 158 is attached to and extends radially from the ring 156.The lower tray 158 includes a bottom support wall 160 and radiallyspaced inner and outer walls 162, 164 extending upwardly from the bottomwall where the inner wall is taller than the outer wall. A portion ofthe bottom wall 160 extending between the inner and outer walls 162, 164forms a bottom support 166 for a filter element 168 as described below.

The pre-formed annular filter element 168 is seated on the bottomsupport 166 between the inner and outer walls 162, 164. The filterelement 168 has a generally cylindrical shape and defines a central,axially-extending chamber 170 configured for receiving the enhancementcartridge 36 as described below. An upper tray 172 is attached to thefilter element 168 and includes inner and outer radially spaced,depending walls 174, 176 along opposing sides of the filter element. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the filter element 168 preferably includes aradially outer filter layer 178 and an inner filter layer 180. The outerfilter layer 178 is made of a non-woven, nanoalumina filter whichremoves bacteria and viruses from the incoming water. One such filter isa Nanoceram® filter manufactured by Argonide Corporation. The innerfilter layer 180 is a carbon block that removes particulates, heavymetals, organic chemicals, chlorine, and unpleasant tastes and odorsfrom the water. It should be appreciated that any suitable filtermaterial or combination of filter materials may be used for the outerand inner filter layers 178, 180. It should also be appreciated that thefilter element 168 may include one or more filter layers for filteringthe incoming water.

Incoming water flows through the annular flow channel 156 and upwardlythrough an outer filter channel 182 defined between an outer surface 184of the filter element 168 and the outer wall 142. After the incomingwater passes through the filter element 168, the filtered water entersan inner filter channel 186 defined between an inner surface 188 of thefilter element 168 and the enhancement cartridge 36. The filtered watertravels upwardly through the inner filter channel 186 toward the top ofthe filter cartridge 34. To properly secure the filter element 168 inthe body 136 of the filter cartridge 34, an annular support plate 190 ispositioned on the upper tray 172. The support plate 190 is a separatecomponent that is not attached to or integrally formed with any othercomponent in the filter cartridge 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the supportplate 190 includes an upwardly extending annular wall 192 at a first endand a downwardly extending annular lip 194 near an opposing, radiallyoutwardly spaced second end. The wall 192 provides support to the upperportion of the enhancement media cartridge 36 and the annular lip 194guides the filter element 168 into position within the body 136.

The cap 138 has an upper side 196 defining a circular, recessed area 198and a lower side 200 forming an inner space. An inner diameter of thecap 138 is generally the same as an outer diameter of the body 136 suchthat threads 202 on an inner surface of the cap engage correspondingthreads 204 on the outer surface of the body. The lower side 200 of thecap 138 includes at least one, and preferably two, downwardly extendingarms 206 that exert pressure on an upper surface 208 of the supportplate 190 as the cap 138 is threaded onto the body 136. During operationof the filter system 30, the pressure on the support plate 190 by thearms 206 secures the filter element 168 in position on the bottomsupport 166 of the lower tray 158.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the removable enhancement cartridge 36is configured to fit within the central chamber 170 defined by thefilter element 168. The enhancement cartridge 36 includes an elongatedcylindrical housing 210 having an upper end 212 and a bottom end 214.The upper end 212 of the housing 210 defines a pair of through holes 216which receive the filtered water from the inner filter channel 184. Ahandle member 218 is removably attached to the upper end 212 of thehousing 210 and has a generally cylindrical base portion 220 and aconnecting portion 222. The connection portion 222 connects to the upperend 212 of the housing 210 by suitable threading or any suitableconnector or connection method. On opposing sides of the handle member218 are biased tabs 224 that engage corresponding openings 226 on thehousing 210 to secure the handle member 218 to the enhancement cartridge36.

As shown in FIG. 9, a flange 228 transversely extends from the handlemember 218 between the connecting portion 222 and the base portion 220.Opposing alignment tabs 230 (FIG. 9) extend downwardly from the flange228 and engage corresponding grooves 232 on the housing 210 for aligningthe handle member 218 upon connection with the housing. After assembly,the tabs 230 are seated within the corresponding grooves 232 on thehousing 210 and fit within the corresponding tab openings 226. The tabs230 are biased into the grooves 232 to secure the handle member 218 onthe housing 210.

The interior of the enhancement cartridge 36 and, more specifically, thehousing 210 has a hollow interior to hold the granular enhancement mediamaterial 234. It should be appreciated that any suitable enhancementmedia material may be filled or placed in the interior of the housing210. The removable handle member 218 prevents the enhancement mediamaterial 234 from falling out of the top of the housing 210 during use.When the enhancement media material 234 is spent, the handle member 218is removed and the spent enhancement media material is removed andreplaced.

To prevent the enhancement media material 234 from clogging the throughholes 216, a cylindrical plate-like filter 236 is placed in a recess 238in the bottom of the handle member. Specifically, the filter 236 ispositioned between the handle member 218 and the enhancement mediamaterial 234. The bottom end of the housing 210 includes a screen 240that allows the filtered water to flow out of the enhancement cartridge36 and prevents the enhancement media material 234 from entering thefilter base 32. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom of the enhancementcartridge 36 has a cross-shaped support 242 that engages a correspondingrecess 244 in the bottom of the filter cartridge 34 to support theenhancement cartridge 36 within the filter cartridge. An O-ring 246 isattached to the bottom of the housing 210 to form a seal between theenhancement cartridge 36 and the filter cartridge 34 that preventsincoming water from moving upwardly through the central chamber 170 ofthe filter cartridge. The housing 210 defines an interior receptaclehaving threads which engage threads (not shown) on the handle member.Also, a pair of spaced O-rings 248 are attached to the handle member 218for forming a seal between the enhancement cartridge 36 and the upperend of the central chamber 170 of the filter cartridge 34. The O-rings248 prevent filtered water from exiting through the top of the filtercartridge 34. A pair of opposing flange members 250 transversely extendfrom the handle member 218 and engage corresponding grooves 252 (FIG. 9)on the filter cartridge 34 for locking the enhancement cartridge 36 inplace relative to the filter cartridge. A circular cover member 254 onthe top of the handle member 218 has a diameter which is larger than adiameter of the lower portion of the handle member.

To aid in the installation or removal of the enhancement cartridge 36from the filter cartridge 34, a generally D-shaped handle 256 ispivotally connected to the cover member 254. Specifically, the covermember 254 includes opposing recesses 258 which are engaged by pins 260extending from the D-shaped handle 256. A stop 262 extends radially froman outer surface of the handle member 218 and prevents the handle 256from moving downwardly past the cover member 254. As shown, the handle256 is flush with the cover member 254 when it is in a storage position(FIG. 2) and extends generally transversely to the cover member 254 whenit is in a use position (FIG. 9). In the use position, a user grabs thehandle 256 and twists or rotates it relative to the filter cartridge 34to remove and replace the enhancement cartridge 36. The handle 256 canthen be moved to the storage position when not in use.

There are situations where the enhancement cartridge 36 is not needed oris not necessary such as when the incoming water already has sufficientminerals in it. In such a situation, a user removes the enhancementcartridge 36 from the filter cartridge 34 and then removes the handlemember 218 from the housing 210. The handle member 218 is thenre-inserted into the filter cartridge 34 and then turned to lock thehandle member in place relative to the filter cartridge. Thisconfiguration allows filtered water to pass through the central chamber170 without passing through the enhancement cartridge 36. Theenhancement cartridge 36 can then be replaced when needed. Also, toindicate that the enhancement cartridge 36 has been removed from thefilter cartridge 34, a user presses the de-activation button 70, whichde-activates or darkens the first group of lights 76.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 10-13, the diverter valve 40 and theincoming and outgoing tubes 118, 119 are used to transfer incoming rawwater to the filter system 30 and return filtered water to the faucet 42to be dispensed to a user. The diverter valve 40 includes a generallycylindrical body 264 having a lever 266 that extends transversely fromthe body and a spigot 268 that extends downwardly from a bottom surfaceof the body. A pair of incoming and outgoing valve ports 270, 272 extendtransversely from the body 264. An upper portion 274 of the body 264includes a cylindrical extension 276 that has threads 278 for engagingthreads 280 on an interior surface of a faucet connector 281. Thediverter valve 40 may be a ball valve or any other suitable type ofvalve as known in the art. The lever 266 is moveable between a firstposition and a second position. In the first position, raw water from ahousehold water supply is diverted to the filter system 30, filtered andreturned to the faucet 42 where the filtered water exits through thespigot 268 into a glass or other container. When the lever 266 is movedto the second position, the diverter valve 40 blocks the outgoing port272 connected to the filter system 30 and allows the incoming raw waterto go directly to the spigot 268 and out into a container. Theunfiltered water is typically used for cleaning or washing dishes.

Once mounted on the faucet 42, the tubing 44, and more specifically, theincoming water tube 118 and the outgoing water tube 119, are connectedto the incoming and outgoing ports 270, 272 on the diverter valve 40.Specifically, the incoming water tube 270 has a larger diameter than theoutgoing water tube 272 and therefore fits over larger nipple fitting282 on the diverter valve 40. Similarly, the outgoing water tube 119 hasa smaller diameter and therefore fits over the smaller nipple fitting284 on the diverter valve 40. Threaded caps 286, 290, which are slidover the corresponding tubes as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, are then movedinto contact with the nipple fittings 282, 284 and are threaded onto thefittings to hold the tubes in place on the diverter valve 40. Theopposing ends of the tubes are then secured to the ports 98, 106 on thebottom support 46 of the filter base 32. Specifically, the larger tube118 fits onto the corresponding nipple 108 on the filter base 32 and theother tube 119 fits over the corresponding nipple 130 of the filter port106. The caps 120, 122 are threadingly engaged with the ports to holdthe tube ends in engagement with the filter base 32.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 38 is shown and includes agenerally cylindrical hollow body 290 that fits over the filtercartridge 34 and engages the bottom support 46 of the filter base 32.Specifically, the bottom of the cover 38 includes downwardly dependingsecuring tabs 292 (FIG. 2) that engage the slots 52 in the bottomsupport 46 to hold the cover in position on the filter base 32. As shownin FIG. 2, the cover 38 includes four windows 294, 296, 298 and 300 thatalign with the visual indicators on the filter base. The windows aremade of a substantially translucent or translucent material to allow thelights to be seen through the windows by a user. The first, topmostwindow 294 aligns with light 72 and indicates the battery power level.Similarly, the second window 296 aligns with light 74 and indicates theflow level within the filter system, the third window 298 aligns withthe first group of lights 76 and indicates the remaining capacity of theenhancement cartridge 36, and the fourth window 300 aligns with thesecond group of lights 78 and indicates the remaining filtering capacityof the filter cartridge 34.

In operation, when a user wants to dispense filtered water from thefaucet 42, the user moves the lever 266 on the diverter valve 40 to thefirst position or the filter position. This diverts the raw water comingfrom the water supply through the faucet 42 and the filtered water tube118 to the filter base 32. The water then moves through the incomingwater port 98 and the inlet 148 of the filter cartridge 34. As shown inFIG. 7, the raw water enters the inlet 148 and passes through the flowregulator or flow controller 150. The flow controller 150 controls theflow rate of the incoming water through the filter cartridge 34. Afterleaving the flow controller 150, the water moves through the annularflow channel 156 and into the outer filter channel 182. The water movesupwardly within the channel 182 and then laterally through the filterelement 168. As the water moves through the outer filter layer 178,bacteria and viruses from the water are removed. Also, when the watermoves through the inner filter layer 180, it passes through the carbonblock which removes particulates and other substances as describedabove.

The filtered water now moves upwardly through the inner filter channel186 located between the enhancement cartridge 36 and the inner side ofthe filter element 168. The water flows upwardly until reaching thethrough holes 216 defined by the upper end 212 of the enhancementcartridge 36.

The water passes through the through holes 216 and then moves downwardlythrough the filter 236 and the enhancement material 234. As the watermoves through the central chamber 170 of the filter cartridge 34, theenhancement media material 234 adds minerals to the filtered water suchas calcium, magnesium and other desired minerals. The filtered waterthen exits through the outlet 152 at the bottom of the cartridge 34 andinto the outgoing water port 106 of the filter base 32. The water thenleaves the filter base 32 and travels through the filtered water tube oroutgoing tube 119 to the diverter valve 40 which directs the waterthrough the spigot 268 and out into a glass or other container for use.

To use unfiltered water for cleaning or washing dishes, the user simplyrotates the lever 266 o n the diverter valve 40 to the unfiltered waterposition. In this position, the diverter valve 40 blocks the outgoingfilter port 272 so that the raw water moves directly to the spigot 268and into the sink.

Over the course of time, the filter media material in the filtercartridge 34 loses capacity to filter the raw incoming water. Typically,under normal use, the filter media material will last for about oneyear. At this point, a user removes the filter cartridge 34 from thefilter base 32 and presses the release button 70 on the filter base tounlock the filter cartridge. The user then rotates the filter cartridge34 relative to the filter base 32 and lifts it off the filter base to bereplaced. If the enhancement cartridge 36 also needs to be replaced, thefilter cartridge 34 including the enhancement cartridge, is replaced asa unit with a new filter cartridge and new enhancement media cartridge.If the enhancement cartridge 36 does not need to be replaced, then theuser simply twists and removes the enhancement cartridge from the filtercartridge 34 and inserts the enhancement cartridge into a new filtercartridge.

If only the enhancement cartridge 36 is spent or has lost capacity, theuser removes this cartridge as described above (FIGS. 8 and 9) androtates the enhancement cartridge to the release position. To do this, auser lifts the handle 256 on the handle member 218 and then twists theenhancement cartridge until it is in the release position. The user thenlifts the enhancement cartridge 36 out of the filter cartridge 34 andreplaces it with a new enhancement cartridge. To secure the newenhancement cartridge 36 in the filter cartridge 34, a user pushes thenew enhancement cartridge down into the central chamber 170 of thefilter cartridge 34 and then turns it to the locked position. The userreplaces the cover 38 over the filter cartridge 34 and secures it to thefilter base 32 as described above. The filter system 30 is now ready tobe used again.

The present filter system 30 is convenient to use and easy to set up inany household or building because it sits on the top of counter and doesnot have to be mounted under the sink or any other place in thehousehold. Furthermore, conventional filter systems have filterincluding filter media material and enhancement media material that arefixed within the filter housing. Therefore, the entire filter cartridge34 must be replaced when one or both of the materials are spent. Thisincreases the cost of the filter cartridges and the expense to theconsumer. The present filter system 30 overcomes this problem by havingan independently replaceable enhancement cartridge 36 that is removablysecured to the filter cartridge 34 so that one or the other of thefilter cartridges can be replaced thereby decreasing manufacturingexpenses and costs to the consumer.

While a particular embodiment of the present filter system has beendescribed herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat changes and modifications may be made thereto without departingfrom the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. A water filter system comprising: a base including a bottom supportand a vertical support transversely extending from said bottom support,said bottom support including an incoming water port for receivingunfiltered water and an outgoing water port for receiving filteredwater; a filter cartridge removably connected to said base adjacent tosaid vertical support and including at least one filter element forremoving remaining impurities from the water, said filter cartridgeincluding a water inlet and a water outlet, said water inlet and saidwater outlet being respectively in fluid communication with saidincoming water port and said outgoing water port; an enhancementcartridge removably located in, and being in fluid communication withsaid filter cartridge and including an enhancement material for addingminerals to the filtered water; and a cover configured to enclose saidfilter cartridge and said vertical support and engage said bottomsupport, said base including a visual light display having a pluralityof visual indicators for indicating at least one of battery power, waterflow, capacity of the enhancement material and capacity of the filtermaterial.
 2. The water filter system of claim 1, wherein said baseincludes a receptacle having a first opening in fluid communication withsaid incoming water port and a second opening in fluid communicationwith said outgoing water port, said filter cartridge being configured toengage said receptacle.
 3. The water filter system of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one filter element includes an outer filter layer and aninner filter layer, said outer filter layer including a material forremoving bacteria and viruses from the water and said inner filter layerincluding a material for removing at least one of particulates,sediments, harmful metals and odors from the water.
 4. The water filtersystem of claim 1, wherein said enhancement cartridge includes a housingand a handle member attached to said housing, said handle memberincluding a handle configured to move between a storage position and ause position for removing the enhancement cartridge from the filtercartridge.
 5. The water filter system of claim 4, wherein said handlemember includes a stop and said handle engages said stop when it ismoved to said storage position.
 6. The water filter system of claim 1,wherein said filter cartridge includes an inlet and an outlet adjacentto said inlet, said inlet including a flow regulator for controlling aflow rate of the water entering said filter cartridge.
 7. The waterfilter system of claim 1, wherein said filter cartridge includes asupport plate seated on said at least one filter element, said supportplate including an inner wall configured to support said enhancementcartridge and an alignment tab configured to engage an outer surface ofsaid at least one filter element for aligning said at least one filterelement within said filter cartridge.
 8. The water filter system ofclaim 7, wherein said filter cartridge includes a body and a capthreadingly engaged with said body, said cap including at least onedownwardly extending arm that contacts and applies pressure to saidsupport plate when said cap is secured to said body.
 9. A water filtersystem comprising: a base including a water inlet and configured forreceiving water from a faucet; a filter cartridge removably connected tosaid base, said filter cartridge defining a first chamber having atleast one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communicationwith said first chamber; an enhancement cartridge removably inserted insaid filter cartridge and including a housing and a handle memberremovably connected to said housing, said housing including anenhancement material for adding minerals to the water, said enhancementcartridge being independently removable from said filter cartridge,wherein when no minerals are to be added to the water, said enhancementcartridge is removed from said filter cartridge and said handle memberis removed from said housing and re-inserted in said filter cartridge;and an actuator associated with said enhancement cartridge, whereinactivation of said actuator de-activates a visual indicator associatedwith said enhancement cartridge to notify a user that said enhancementcartridge has been removed from the water filter system.
 10. A waterfilter system comprising: a base including a bottom support and avertical support transversely extending from said bottom support, saidbottom support including an incoming water port for receiving unfilteredwater and an outgoing water port for receiving filtered water; a filtercartridge removably connected to said base adjacent to said verticalsupport and including at least one filter element for removing remainingimpurities from the water, said filter cartridge including a water inletand a water outlet, said water inlet and said water outlet beingrespectively in fluid communication with said incoming water port andsaid outgoing water port; an enhancement cartridge removably located in,and being in fluid communication with said filter cartridge andincluding an enhancement material for adding minerals to the filteredwater; and a cover configured to enclose said filter cartridge and saidvertical support and engage said bottom support; said filter cartridgeincluding a support plate seated on said at least one filter element, abody and a cap threadingly engaged with said body, said support plateincluding an inner wall configured to support said enhancement cartridgeand an alignment tab configured to engage an outer surface of said atleast one filter element for aligning said at least one filter elementwithin said filter cartridge, said cap including at least one downwardlyextending arm that contacts and applies pressure to said support platewhen said cap is secured to said body.
 11. The water filter system ofclaim 10, wherein said base includes a receptacle having a first openingin fluid communication with said incoming water port and a secondopening in fluid communication with said outgoing water port, saidfilter cartridge being configured to engage said receptacle.
 12. Thewater filter system of claim 10, wherein said at least one filterelement includes an outer filter layer and an inner filter layer, saidouter filter layer including a material for removing bacteria andviruses from the water and said inner filter layer including a materialfor removing at least one of particulates, sediments, harmful metals andodors from the water.
 13. The water filter system of claim 10, whereinsaid enhancement cartridge includes a housing and a handle memberattached to said housing, said handle member including a handleconfigured to move between a storage position and a use position forremoving the enhancement cartridge from the filter cartridge.
 14. Thewater filter system of claim 13, wherein said handle member includes astop and said handle engages said stop when it is moved to said storageposition.
 15. The water filter system of claim 10, said base including avisual light display having a plurality of visual indicators forindicating at least one of battery power, water flow, capacity of theenhancement material and capacity of the filter material.
 16. The waterfilter system of claim 10, wherein said filter cartridge includes aninlet and an outlet adjacent to said inlet, said inlet including a flowregulator for controlling a flow rate of the water entering said filtercartridge.